Employed for both cosmetic and reconstructive purposes, breast implants are one of the most widely-used and controversial prostheses available. The development of safe, reliable products is vital to the future of this important field of surgery. Biomaterials in plastic surgery reviews the history, materials and safety issues associated with breast implants.

Beginning with an introduction to the history of biomaterials used for breast augmentation, Biomaterials in plastic surgery goes on to discuss development issues. It then discusses the chemistry and physical properties of biomedical silicones before reviewing cohesive gel and polyurethane foam implants. The book concludes by analysing the epidemiological evidence on the safety issues relating to breast implants, followed by a review of retrieval and analysis of breast implants emphasizing strength, durability and failure mechanisms.

With its distinguished editors and international team of expert contributors, Biomaterials in plastic surgery is an important guide for surgeons, manufacturers and all those researching this important field.

AudienceMaterials scientists, biologists, chemists and clinicians who are involved in this field of research; engineers in industry and academia who are concerned with research and development

Reviews

For the academic surgeon who desires a grouping of articles specifically related to breast implants in one place, this book fills the bill., Doody's book reviews

Contents

The history of biomaterials used for breast augmentation; The development of breast implants; The chemistry and physical properties of biomedical silicones; Cohesive gel breast implants; Polyurethane foam breast implants; The safety of breast implants: Recent epidemiological studies; Retrieval and analysis of breast implants emphasizing strength, durability, and failure mechanisms.